Leaders of Tomorrow: Empowering Youth Workers for European Social Change
2024-3-IT03-KA153-YOU-000290116
The main objective of the project is to equip young people and youth workers with the skills and tools needed to improve the quality of their work with youth, enhancing their ability to actively engage the new generations. According to a report by the European Union, around 70% of youth workers consider the development of transversal skills—such as leadership and project management—essential to address the challenges of youth work in an increasingly complex European context [EU Youth Report 2022]. Our project aims to fill this training gap by creating a learning environment that enables participants to develop key competencies such as leadership, project management, conflict resolution, and social inclusion. These skills will improve participants’ effectiveness as facilitators and educators, making them better prepared to meet the needs of young people.
The project will promote an innovative and inclusive approach to youth work by introducing methodologies such as the use of digital tools and non-formal education. According to Eurostat, about 16.5% of European youth come from disadvantaged or marginalized backgrounds, and this project specifically focuses on these groups. We want participants to develop a deeper awareness of the needs of young people from such backgrounds, using educational practices that promote equality, active participation, and social inclusion.
Another key objective is to strengthen transnational networks among participants and organizations. According to Erasmus+ data, 80% of youth mobility projects generate new international collaborations, fostering the exchange of good practices. Our project aims to boost this exchange by promoting international cooperation and the development of joint initiatives that create a positive impact on both local and international communities. This collaborative approach will allow participants to develop an entrepreneurial mindset, encouraging them to launch local and international initiatives with a tangible social impact.
Finally, the project aims to contribute to the professional growth of youth workers by providing EU-recognized certifications, such as the Youthpass, which formally documents the competencies acquired. Over 90% of Erasmus+ participants who received a Youthpass report improved career prospects thanks to the certification. This formal recognition will ensure that the skills acquired have a lasting impact, improving the quality of youth work and making organizations more capable of responding to the emerging needs of young people across Europe.
1. Leadership BootCamp in Rome
An intensive training event held in Rome, dedicated to developing leadership and project management skills for youth workers. During the BootCamp, participants will take part in interactive workshops, hands-on sessions, and group activities focused on key topics such as conflict resolution, social inclusion, and the use of digital tools in youth work. This event will offer participants the opportunity to learn through the “learning by doing” method and to immediately apply the skills acquired in a collaborative and multicultural environment.
Online Training Courses on Inclusion and Digital Innovation
Before and after the BootCamp, participants will have access to online training courses hosted on the platform www.youngleaders.it, focused on developing digital competencies and promoting social inclusion. These courses will be designed to provide specific skills in using digital tools for socio-educational work and to foster the active participation of young people with fewer opportunities.
Exchange of Good Practices and Intercultural Workshops
Intercultural workshops and exchanges of good practices will be organized among the participating organizations, where youth workers will share and compare different educational methodologies and innovative approaches. This will foster the creation of transnational networks and the exchange of knowledge among participants, strengthening long-term collaboration between organizations.
Follow-up Activities and Mentorship
After the main project phase, follow-up activities will be implemented where participants will become mentors and trainers within their own organizations. Local workshops and meetings with other youth workers will be organized to share the skills acquired and extend the project’s impact at local and regional levels.
Number and Profile of Participants
The project will involve 40 participants, equally divided between men and women, with 10 participants selected by each partner (Italy, Spain, Malta, Greece). The profile includes youth workers, educators, and volunteers active in the field of youth work, with a particular focus on those working with young people from disadvantaged backgrounds or with fewer opportunities. The average age of participants will be between 25 and 35 years old, but there will be no specific age limit, ensuring an inclusive and diverse participation.
The project aims to achieve a series of concrete results and generate a significant impact on the participants, the organizations involved, and local communities. These outcomes will be reflected in the improvement of skills, practices, and professional networks in the field of youth work.
Expected Results
Development of transversal and professional skills
Participants will acquire key competencies such as leadership, team management, conflict resolution, effective communication, and the use of digital tools for socio-educational work. These skills will be transferable not only in their professional environment but also in their personal and community lives, increasing their employability and their ability to innovate in youth work contexts.
Adoption of innovative methodologies
Through training and workshops, youth workers will learn new educational approaches—such as the use of digital tools and non-formal education—that will be integrated into the daily activities of their organizations. This will lead to an improvement in the quality of educational programs and the effectiveness of their interactions with young people.
Growth of transnational networks
The project will foster the creation of a strong and sustainable network among partner organizations. This network will enable long-term collaboration and the launch of new projects at the European level, strengthening the organizations’ ability to work together to address the challenges of youth work.
Increased social inclusion
Thanks to activities focused on inclusion and participation of young people with fewer opportunities, the project is expected to raise awareness and sensitivity around social issues. Participants will be able to implement more inclusive practices within their organizations, helping to reduce barriers for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Impact on participants
Youth workers will become more aware and skilled leaders, capable of driving change within their communities through youth work. The development of their professional and personal skills will enhance their confidence and ability to act proactively, generating a long-lasting impact on youth-focused activities.
Impact on partner organizations
Partner organizations will benefit from enhanced operational capacity thanks to the introduction of new competencies and methodologies. Their efficiency in project management and ability to attract new funding will be improved, leading to higher-quality services for youth and the expansion of collaboration networks.
Impact on local communities and society
Local communities will indirectly benefit from the project through the implementation of more effective and inclusive programs. Young people involved in the partner organizations’ initiatives will have access to activities that promote active participation, social inclusion, and intercultural dialogue—thus contributing to greater social cohesion.
Impact at the European level
The project will contribute to strengthening youth work across Europe by promoting an innovative and inclusive approach aligned with the priorities of the Erasmus+ program. The results will be shared through digital platforms such as the Erasmus Plus platform and public events, encouraging the replication of best practices in other European contexts.
The project is promoted by a dynamic and close-knit consortium of European organizations with strong experience in training, non-formal education, and the promotion of European values. Four entities from Italy, Spain, Malta, and Greece have joined forces to create an innovative and high-impact initiative.
🇮🇹 ASSOCIAZIONE SOS EUROPA (Applicant – E10007309)
Project leader, SOS Europa is one of the most active organizations in the field of European project design. Based in Italy, the association boasts over ten years of experience in managing projects at European, national, and local levels, with a focus on social inclusion, youth, leadership, and sustainability. It coordinates international networks and promotes initiatives that place citizens, education, and active participation at the core.
🇪🇸 ASOCIACIÓN EURO MIRADA (Partner – E10338671)
From Spain, Euro Mirada brings its expertise in social communication and the promotion of cultural diversity to the consortium. The organization actively works to promote human rights, inclusion, and artistic expression as tools for participation and European citizenship, with a strong focus on local impact.
🇲🇹 International E-Learning Institute Ltd (Partner – E10315683)
Based in Malta, IELI is a key player in digital innovation applied to education. Specializing in the design and management of e-learning platforms and online training courses, the institute contributes to the development of digital skills and inclusive access to knowledge across Europe.
🇬🇷 NEANIKOI ORIZONTES M.K.O. – Youth Horizons (Partner – E10069180)
From Greece, Youth Horizons is an organization committed to youth engagement and the promotion of active citizenship through participatory methodologies, intercultural activities, and empowerment programs. Its experience in Erasmus+ projects is a valuable asset in terms of inclusive approaches and territorial impact.
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